MICHAEL Howarth reckons Ramsbottom’s Lancashire Telegraph Junior Cup final victory can help propel them to a league and cup double.

Rammy crashed to defeat at the hands of East Lancs last year, but an unbeaten half century from former skipper Ashley Parkinson - and a match winning 6-15 haul from opener Tom Booth saw them turn the tables.

“This victory has given the lads a massive confidence boost, we can push on and try and win the title now,” said Ramsbottom captain Howarth, who saw his side lift the trophy for the first time since 2011.

“There’s very little between the top four, and we’ve got the leading pair – Todmorden and East Lancs – to play in the next month.

“That could be very significant and we’ve a massive opportunity now.”

Rain threatened to wreck the final for a second successive weekend, with frequent heavy shows halting play, before Ramsbottom raced away to an eight wicket win in a relatively one sided contest at Alexandra Meadows.

Indeed, Parkinson only came into the side at the last minute after standing down as captain earlier in the season to give the youngsters more opportunities.

But Parkinson sealed victory in style, smashing a giant six, and skipper Howarth added: “It was a great knock from Ashley, a terrific innings.

“He missed the final last season, so this was a special one for him.”

Ramsbottom, though, look to have unearthed a red-hot prospect in teenager Booth who ripped through East Lancs’ front line, sending back Ziyad Bhada for 16, Joe Westhead for 5, Nick Turner without scoring and James Banks for 6.

Andy Whittle then removed Sharukh Khan for a duck and Booth,who joined the Rammy ranks from Ribblesdale League outfit Brooksbottom, claimed the wicket of David Turner for five and Luke Pomfret without scoring to leave the holders reeling at 62-7.

Danny Chester was the only batsman to cause the on top Rammy bowlers any problems, hitting five fours for his gutsy 29 before he was bowled by Matt Burdaky.

Adam Bolton made an unbeaten 12, but their meagre score of 96 was never going to be enough to defend as Parkinson made up for lost time when he arrived at the crease.

Parkinson and Alex 0lpin opened in positive fashion, piling on 68 for the first wicket and by the time Olpin was trapped by Bolton for 23, Rammy were virtually home and dry.

They eventually claimed the trophy for a record twelfth time, with Parkinson clubbing six fours and two sixes from 69 deliveries as he carried his bat for 50, easing Rammy to 99-2 at the close of play.

East Lancs have failed to retain the Lancashire Telegraph Cup Junior as they lost to Ramsbottom by 8 wickets at Alexandra Meadows writes Matthew Jones. The final which was washed out last weekend, which began in similar fashion as rain delayed the start of play. However, play did begin at 2:30 with East Lancs winning the toss and electing to bat. Ramsbottom's opening bowler Tom Booth recorded figures of (6-15) off 10 overs accounting for Ziyad Bhada (16), James Westhead (5), James Banks (6), Nick Turner (0), Dave Turner (5) and Luke Pomfret (0). Whilst Andy Whittle (1-43), Rob Fernley (1-15), Matt Burdarky (1-15) and Tom Parkinson (1-2) took one wicket each as the holders were bowled out for 96. Which included knocks from Danny Chester (29), Bhada (16) and Adam Bolton (12 not out) with the East Lancs innings finishing just before 7:00pm due to constant rain delays through the afternoon.

In reply, Ash Parkinson hit an unbeaten 50 as Ramsbottom chased down East Lancs's target in 21.3 overs with the loss of two wickets. Parkinson's half century came off 69 balls whilst including six fours and two sixes. He added 68 with Alex Olpin, before Olpin (23) fell to Adam Bolton (1-20). Captain Michael Howarth (9) then added 11 with Parkinson until he was dismissed by Nick Turner (1-9). The opener finished of the game by hitting a six off Rehan Gani which also brought up his half century.